Loss, healing, and the power of place

Human beings have a tendency to transform geographical spaces into dwelling places which assume significance in terms of their social, cultural and pe rsonal identities. The authors describe the ways in which this occurs, how it is disrupted by a natural disaster - an Australian bushfire - and how th e reciprocal relationship between place and person can contribute to person al and communal healing. The discussion draws on a doctoral thesis conducte d by the principal author, and is illuminated by excerpts from narratives p rovided by those who experienced the bushfire. The discussion is informed b y insights from phenomenological geography and ecological philosophy.